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The best digital decks for semi-pro DJs

This article was first published in the January 2016 issue of WIRED magazine. Be the first to read WIRED's articles in print before they're posted online, and get your hands on loads of additional content by subscribing online.

The world of DJing has evolved from vinyl, to CDs, to hardware controllers used to run files via a laptop, USB stick or tablet. The pro DJ software used here falls into three main camps: Pioneer rekordbox, Serato and TRAKTOR, run from WIRED's iPad Air 2 and Apple MacBook Pro 13-inch to ensure ample processing power. Each item on test offers auto-sync, full pitch control, cue points, samples, looping, built-in FX and key recognition -- all best exploited when paired with a hardware controller.

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HOW WE TESTED

WIRED visited the iconic Ministry of Sound club in south London to test four leading DJ controllers using The Box, the club's state-of-the-art main-room sound system. Overseeing events was Phil Faversham, Ministry of Sound's club development director and the man behind Ministry of Sound Audio (ministryofsound.com/audio). Ease of use, build quality, technical capability and how well the bedroom-DJ kits worked in a professional context were all assessed.

DENON DJ MC6000 MK2

"It feels like you're doing two things at once, as there's no display," says Faversham, with his eyes fixed on the laptop to the side. "But the build does feel that bit sturdier than the Numark." Although useful, the assignable FX per channel feels less integrated with Serato DJ, causing timing issues.

TRAKTOR DJ APP

No extra hardware needed here -- just plug an iPad running TRAKTOR DJ into your sound system. This software delivers equalisation and live FX control in virtual form, but for real buttons, it syncs with a controller such as the TRAKTOR KONTROL S4 MK2 (£399).

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Gallery: The best digital decks for semi-pro DJs

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NUMARK NV

"The jog-wheels here are too finicky," notes Faversham of the Numark's flimsy build and cheap faders with tops that come off. But there are some standout tricks, such as knobs that can activate assigned FX, only when physically touched. "That's seriously cool," says Faversham. The layout is also a little tight between the four audio channels, but the dual-screen setup means your laptop needn't be front and centre.

Pioneer DDJ-RZ

One of the first wave of rekordbox products, this is Pioneer's kit for a laptop-based setup, to compete with Traktor and Serato -- but it's missing a display and USB inputs. "The model below this [the DDJ-RX] has USB and a display -- so why not here?" asks Phil Faversham. However, its world-class CDJ jog-wheels and a pro-quality mixer make this the best in our test group.